Why can’t I just be normal?

Now reading this title – “Why can’t I just be normal?” – there are sure to be some people who will no doubt be responding;

“There is no such thing as normal!”

“What is normal anyway?”

Which is fine. Ok, I get that but there will also be people who understand exactly what I am talking about and maybe even say it to themselves.

Normal is a strange word and it brings about different things for different people but normal is what I aspire to be a lot of the time.

To me, normal is a life without having any mental health issues at all. Living a life without the constant battles that unfortunately mental health problems bring.

Not having to feel the extreme and spontaneous moods swings brought about by BPD. Not hating myself and my appearance so much that my life is ruled by food. Not having to fight that demon depression almost everyday to be able to carry out the simplest of tasks. Just to be able to talk to people, friends, family without stressing about it for hours before and anyalising it for days afterwards!

I just want to be normal!

I don’t want to struggle and feel completely exhausted from doing the simplest things like the school run!

It’s embarrassing. It’s upsetting. It’s, at times, sole destroying.

I suppose normal to me is my husband. I envy him and definitely aspire to be like him sometimes. He is quite possibly one of the most laid back people on the planet!

He doesn’t care what others think of him and not in an obnoxious way. He is very kind, caring and will do anything for anyone but if he doesn’t want to then he will say no. Just like that. He will not spend hours and days worrying about it he will simply say that’s his decision, he has his reasons and moves on. He is not preoccupied by what others are doing or saying, he doesn’t overthink things and stress about insignificant details he simply lives his life.

Why can’t I be like that???

Oh I can pretend to be like that, I have done that for many years (and sometimes still do) But I want to feel it for real. I want to feel carefree, light and unburdened by invasive horrible thoughts.

I aspire to be normal a lot of the time because I want to be able to relax and switch off sometimes. I do practice mindfulness and yoga/meditation at times but even this is very difficult for me. It’s a struggle to convince myself that I am allowed to take time out for myself – I mean how can I be so selfish when there is housework to be done and work to finish!? When I do practice these things I do feel the difference and I suppose that’s what I need to understand – that is my normal.

I am who I am.

I can improve on areas of myself that might cause me hurt, upset or even damage but ultimately I am Amy and it would be stupid and a waste of me to try to be anyone else.

I know I am going to struggle at times, that is just the nature of my illnesses, but I do not give up easily. I am, as my husband tells me, very strong willed. If I want something, I get it, no matter how difficult. Not a trait many people have so I am seeing that as a positive and I am grateful for it.

Remember to always be kind, you never know what battles people might be facing.

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3 Comments

Aww I just wanted to reach out to you reading that and tell you that you’re smart, and kind and beautiful and the perfect role model to your children! I’m not saying for a second that I understand the emotions of mental health but I do get you re the ‘what people are thinking’ and over analysing everything. It took me until my 40’s (im 42) to not give a hoot what people think – not all the time, I still have moments and I doubt myself and my abilities hugely but its better with age I think… i’ll be queen of the world by the time i’m 100 then!! ha

I think all mums struggle with taking time out or even convincing ourselves that we NEED that time out for ourselves. I wouldn’t beat yourself up, I think self-care is a learned still! Knowing where your limits are even to be reactive to what you need, to eventually being proactive and building time for yourself into your week/month without even thinking about it.

We appear to share the same love of yoga, I think it’s such a great way to spend some relaxing time – such a good choice!

As much as we all struggle at times, you are definitely not alone. Thanks for sharing lovely.

About Me

The Amy behind amysboarderlineworld

I am a 31 year old mummy of one gorgeous little boy, and a wife to one equally gorgeous man! Currently pregnant with my 2nd.
I suffer with mental health issues and blog in the hope I can help and inspire others.
I love art and anything creative and believe without it my days would still be pretty dark.
I take each day as it comes - or at least try to - and I am always grateful for everything in my life, big or small.
Please join me on my journey. I'm sure we will have some laughs along the way!
Amy x